Poem # 7 For Poetry Month

Where I'm From poems are inspired by George Ella Lyon's poem, "Where I'm From". They emphasize creating powerful images in poetry. It's a good form of poetry because one can reflect upon memories of sights, smells, tastes, sounds and touches from their childhood. Click here to see a "Where I'm From" video.

Where I'm From

I am from Robert and Carrie, Arkansas and Alabama
From “always do your best” and “play to win”
From my brother’s 5 Speed Schwinn bike with a banana seat and ram horn handle bars
I am from the last house on the south side of the street with a gas light on a well manicured front lawn

I am from the Lone Ranger and Spider-Man, Three Stooges and Benny Hill, The Jeffersons and Good Times, Ultra-Man and The Justice League
From bean bags in the basement and hockey in the garage
From homemade biscuits, fish and spaghetti and my grandmother’s homemade apple jelly
I am from the playing football in the street and Cork in the alley off of Abner Place everyday during the summer. That was our Busch Stadium!

I am from backyard barbeques and Wiffle Ball (if you hit it over the house, it was an automatic Grand Slam!)
From riding bikes all day long and playing Hide & Go Seek at dusk
From youth football practice at Penrose Park, track practice at Northwest High School, track meets at Flo Valley College and the Junior Olympics in Poplar Bluff, Missouri
I am from having toll roads at Natural Bridge & Kingshighway and Natural Bridge & Union (to generate money for a bus to travel for summer track meets)

I am from Lexington Elementary School and the Public School Stadium
From the Pie House and the Chop Suey joint on Union Blvd
From Pla-Mor Roller Rink and Normandy Lanes Bowling Alley

I am from fireworks competitions with neighbors on the 4th of July 
From sweltering summer heat and humidity
From St. Louis, “Gateway to the West” and Greer Avenue in North St. Louis 
From my mother graduating from Homer G. Phillips Nursing School and her sister finishing her PhD at the age of 66
I am from the Midwest

I keep these memories close
Savoring their warmth as I recall each of them
Very fond memories of a special time in my life
I am home